NEW HAVEN, CONN (Jan. 8, 2015)—Local veterans and representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars will hold an informational meeting on January 27, 2015 about forming a new VFW post in New Haven. Free coffee and information about how the proposed post will benefit Elm City veterans and the New Haven community will be offered from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the cafeteria of the Hill Regional Career High School at 140 Legion Avenue. The meeting is open to the public.

VFW Connecticut Senior Vice Commander Robert Bailey said the drive to establish the post has been gathering momentum, especially with help from the City of New Haven Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and the Office of the Mayor of New Haven.

According to 2013 US Census figures, New Haven has a growing veteran population with an estimated 4,362 living in the Elm City. Many of these veterans are service members moving to Connecticut—specifically New Haven—to attend local universities and use their G.I. Bill benefits.

New Haven resident Charles M. Pickett, director of membership of New Haven County and a Southern Connecticut State University student, said the proposed post is for all eligible New Haven combat veterans, including recent Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who might not have considered the benefits of joining a veteran service organization. For more information, contact Pickett through email (VFWNewHaven@gmail.com), voice mail (203-443-1643), and social media (Facebook.com/VFWNewHaven).

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is America’s oldest and largest combat veteran’s organization. It is open to veterans who have served overseas in times of conflict or war. There are a number of benefits to joining the VFW including the camaraderie, access to veteran resources, and opportunities for continued service to our country and communities.